Tips/Tricks for somebody who's never been?

[ShellieR]

We are a family of 5...we have boys 6,8 and 12. And of course they want to see everything! I have so many questions.

1. what is the difference between universal express plus and VIP??
2. I use tour guide mike when we go to WDW who can I use to figure out what ride to hit first and so on.
3. Is it worth it to get the meal deal?
4. My 6 and 8 year old probably won't be tall enough for certain rides....do they have the baby swap like at WDW? How does it work?
5. Are Florida schools out by May 30? Are the parks crowded like May 30 and 31??

Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Badge]

Ok, lets see if I can help you out!

1) Universal Express Plus (normally the "Plus" is just left off) is a ticket you present at nearly every ride to skip the lines. This is not like a Disney Fastpass were you wait for a return time or anything like that. When you want to ride a ride, you just show the ticket. These tickets are pay-per-day tickets and are per person. They also only let you skip each line ONCE per day.

The VIP tickets are tickets into the parks that give you unlimited express access. I would assume these work just like the other express passes, however it says they let you skip each line an unlimited number of times. These seem to be something that is "new" (don't recall seeing them a year ago), so maybe somebody can report back on them.

Universal also has another option to get Express access to rides and that is by staying onsite. Your room keys lets you skip all the lines that have Express access an unlimited number of times for the length of your stay (inlucing your check out day). Odds are, with a family of 5, it will be cheaper to stay onsite than to purchase express passes on there own. If you check in on May 30th and check out on May 31st, you still get two FULL days of express passes. If you were to purchase two days of express tickets, your total for 5 people for two days would be $319.90, however an onsite hotel room costs $254 for the one night. As you can see, you are saving money by staying onsite. After your 2nd day in the parks, just head back to the hotel and jump in the car (which you should pack before heading to the parks the 2nd day) to head to an offsite hotel. Or, just stay at the hotel for 2 nights. The Universal onsite hotels are just as good, and some people, including myself think they are better than, Disney Deluxe hotels.

2) With express, it doesn't really matter what rides you hit first. You will find Universal is a MUCH more relaxing trip when you have express because you can just take your time. There is no need to rush to that many rides because you won't have to wait in line anyways. Look at the park maps online and just decide what sounds the best or what you want to do first. Keep in mind if you purchase the express tickets on there own and you can only use them once per ride, you might want to wait in the normal line in the morning when it is still slow and then come back and ride again while skipping the line.

Also, Universal Express (no matter which of the three options you pick) does not work on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios and does not work on HP FJ and one "kid" ride at IOA. I suggest doing these rides first. From there, it does not matter. Also keep in mind that if you stay onsite, you get into the HP area of Islands of Adventure ONE hour before everybody else. This will allow you to ride FJ without much of a wait.

3)The meal deal allows you to get one meal and one dessert each time through a counter service line. If every member of your family can eat THREE counter service meals in that day, then yes it is worth it. However, you are limited to only a few places at each park and it is all your standard hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets type of food. You are not allowed to share food. Also, the counter service places close roughly 30 minutes before the parks close. Generally, if your family can eat alot, then yes it is worth it. If you don't care about the nicer meal options (like on Citywalk), then go for it if you can eat three meals that day. It does NOT include drinks!

4)Universal offers a child swap just like Disney does. Ask the team member at the entrance to each ride about the child swap. Some rides (MIB, Mummy, and FJ come to mind) have everybody wait together. Once you get to the front of the line, some members of the group go ride and the others wait in a small room with chairs. Once they get off the ride, you would switch. I have never used the child swap before, so this is all just based on what I have seen take place. Hopefully somebody else comes around and goes into more detail. When in doubt, just ask the team member at the front of each ride.

5) I am not sure about FL. schools being out, but most (if not all) colleges are out at this point and I would assume some schools around the US as well. While it won't be extremely busy, it will be starting to get to the summer crowd levels which is why Universal Express is nice. There have been times were Spiderman had a 90 minute wait and I was finished riding the in about 7 minutes because of Express. It really is a great thing to have!

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Metro West]

5. Are Florida schools out by May 30? Are the parks crowded like May 30 and 31??

Most local school systems are out anywhere from the end of May to the first part of June. It depends on the calendar.

 

[macraven]

We are a family of 5...we have boys 6,8 and 12. And of course they want to see everything! I have so many questions.

1. what is the difference between universal express plus and VIP??
2. I use tour guide mike when we go to WDW who can I use to figure out what ride to hit first and so on.
3. Is it worth it to get the meal deal?
4. My 6 and 8 year old probably won't be tall enough for certain rides....do they have the baby swap like at WDW? How does it work?
5. Are Florida schools out by May 30? Are the parks crowded like May 30 and 31??

Sorry for all the questions!

1. if you are not staying onsite, you can buy the epp.
you are allowed to use the express lines ONE time per ride/show.

VIP, they have tours.
you might be thinking about the admission ticket w/unlimited express pass usage.

2. you would gain more info by searching thru the threads in the UO forums and getting first hand info.

check out www.universalorlando.com and get the layout of the park and what is in it.
read the descriptions of the rides, shows, food places.

3. no sharing allowed on it, beverages not included in meal deal promo.
it starts at 10:30 am, no breakfast is included and ends 30 minutes prior to park closing.
it does take up park time if you plan to do a lot of eating.

you would need to have 3 meals each before you come out ahead.

if you have AAA, you show that when you order for a 10% discount.
also good for merch discounts.

4. baby swap is ideal. much better at the darkside than the motherland set up.
it can be used by your family if the kids do not meet the height requirements.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

4)Universal offers a child swap just like Disney does. Ask the team member at the entrance to each ride about the child swap. Some rides (MIB, Mummy, and FJ come to mind) have everybody wait together. Once you get to the front of the line, some members of the group go ride and the others wait in a small room with chairs. Once they get off the ride, you would switch. I have never used the child swap before, so this is all just based on what I have seen take place. Hopefully somebody else comes around and goes into more detail. When in doubt, just ask the team member at the front of each ride.

This is correct for most rides. Some will have the waiting party go up the exit first, but this is less common. The group that waited, once the switch happens, will head towards the ride loading area after switching. One (sometimes more, it depends on the ride) of the members of the riding group can re-ride with the group that waited. The TM at the end of the line--the one that asks "how many?"--will instruct you on the proper method/where to wait. The TM at the front of the attraction is better for detailed instruction (ask before going in ) as they have more time to speak with you, per se.

 

[ShellieR]

We are trying to spend as little money as possible so the meal deal is definitely not needed. I don't think we have the extra money to stay on site or buy the express passes. Will it be a waste of our time to go without any express passes? The hotel we are staying at says we get into WWoHP an hour early. If we do that first is there any chance that we could ride all the rides? Are there some rides that just aren't worth it? And are there rides where the lines build up really fast that we would need to do first? Oh, is there not a planning web site like Tour Guide Mike for Universal??

 

[Sandy321]

We are trying to spend as little money as possible so the meal deal is definitely not needed. I don't think we have the extra money to stay on site or buy the express passes. Will it be a waste of our time to go without any express passes? The hotel we are staying at says we get into WWoHP an hour early. If we do that first is there any chance that we could ride all the rides? Are there some rides that just aren't worth it? And are there rides where the lines build up really fast that we would need to do first? Oh, is there not a planning web site like Tour Guide Mike for Universal??

I've used TGM 3 or 4 times (but since he no longer updates his site, many have gone to the free site http://www.easywdw.com/ its fun seeing many of the names I recognize on easy wdw forums - but the crowd calendar, etc free - however, NO Universal info specific - I checked )

I do find that the people here will do the same - they are so helpful and knowledgable - I get the impression that Universal is very different, and not to compare the two - maybe think more like a Great America.... At Great America, I dont need the touring plans, but I need to know the lay of the land - so like a pp gave the universal website - I went there and printed out the maps. I also read the descriptions of the rides and attractions - and their locations.

Then I went to youtube and I googled -

but the most informative has been this board! I know the search feature doesnt always work so I have googled MIB + disboards and a thread comes up (this was the best thread I've read - I had no idea what MIB was until I read it - and all the hints on how to get the points + seeing the youtube vid - perfect!)

There have been a couple of trip reports that have included a lot of pictures that have also helped me in planning.

Good luck!

 

[Akwafunk]

We are trying to spend as little money as possible so the meal deal is definitely not needed. I don't think we have the extra money to stay on site or buy the express passes. Will it be a waste of our time to go without any express passes? The hotel we are staying at says we get into WWoHP an hour early. If we do that first is there any chance that we could ride all the rides? Are there some rides that just aren't worth it? And are there rides where the lines build up really fast that we would need to do first? Oh, is there not a planning web site like Tour Guide Mike for Universal??

I think part of the beauty of Universal is its simplicity. I have done trips there just a couple of times, but it is easy to work out ho it all works. By contrast, Disney with its myriad of hotel options and the need to prebook all meals months in advance was just utterly bewildering.

OK - so I built my first basic itinerary from info here and also from this site:

http://www.orlandoinformer.com/

If WWoHP is important, then yes, you do need a plan, and you need to get there as early as your ticket will allow. If you get there early, you'll e able to get everything done. Use chid swap and single rider to help with this. The childswap room in FJ has the first Potter movie playing - we had to use a crowbar to get my littlest out of there.

There's a very good ride wait time app which we've used before with great success.

We've visited at a busy time without express privileges, and a less busy time with. I'll never go without again, but our first visit we were able to get a more than adequate amount of stuff done. But in order to hit more rides, you'll need the express.

 

[Badge]

Universal is really different compared to Disney in terms of planning needed. Universal Disney which can be really stressful for some people that like to "stick with a plan", Universal is totally different. At Universal, relax and enjoy the parks. There really is no need to get stressed out or create a big plan. You don't need to make meal res. unless you feel like you must. If you must, you really don't need to make them until that day. Just go to the place and make your res. for later that day.

Now, I will try my best to outline a plan for you. I have done this before for other guests and they seemed to really enjoy it. Hopefully you will find this helpful as well. Print out a park map and follow along with the rides as I tried to place them in order that you will come to them.

On May 30th:

Go to the Studios side of the park once you arrive. I assume you will not be arriving at the parks first thing in the morning since this is your first day, which normally means people arrive in the afternoon. Either way, I would start off with Shrek-4D and Dispicable (SP?) Me (which will hopefully be open by then). From there, work your way around the park hitting (in the order you come to them):

-Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
-Mummy
-Disaster
-MIB
-Simpsons
-ET
-Terminator

I skipped a few rides here (like Twister). You really don't need to do these rides unless you have some time left over. Hopefully you will be able to get all of these done before the park closes (with some time to spare). They might be showing the new nighttime show at this time as well, which you will want to check out. They will also have the new parade going on, but again, no idea what time this takes place. Unlike Disney, Universal rarely posts show/parade times on the website simply because, again, planning is not really needed. If you want to eat a nice meal after you are done with the park, enjoy a nice meal on Citywalk. So many food options there!

On May 31st:

Since you said your hotel lets you get into IOA one hour early, get there early! You will see how long the walk is from the parking lot to Citywalk, and then the parks on your first day. If IOA opens at 9am, that means the park will open to you at 8am. Thus, I suggest arriving to the parking lot NO LATER than 7:30am. The sooner the better.

Once the park opens, just follow the group to the HP area. Take it all in during your extra hour, doing all of the rides and looking around all the shops. While you might not be able to see everything in your first hour, you will hopefully be able to see most of it. Your key focus should be FJ and then anything else that sounds fun that you want to do.

After you have finished everything in HP, work your way back towards the front of the park. You will be making a circle and end up back at HP. Here is the list of rides/shows you should try and see in order after you leave HP:

-Eight Voyage of Sinbad (show, skip it if there are no show times that work)
-All of the Dr. Suess area rides
-Hulk (for the kids brave enough and tall enough)
-Storm Force (like the tea cups)
-Dr. Doom
-Spiderman (don't miss this! Amazing ride!)
-Popeye (water ride, skip if you don't want to get soaked)
-Dudley (water ride, skip if you don't want to get soaked)
-Jurrasic Park River Adventure (another water ride, but I never get really wet)

After this, you should be back at HP with the sun setting and a few more hours left to explore HP once again during my personal favorite time to see it. It is really amazing looking at night.

IF you do not care about doing HP once again, you could head back to the Studios (about a 3-5 minute walk from IOA to Studios) to ride some things you missed or to catch the nighttime show again.

Overall, try not to go to Universal stressed out because you don't have a plan. The biggest tip I can give you is this:

Print out the park maps, read about all the rides, circle the ones you want to ride and then follow a path to reach them all. Both parks make a big circle around the water areas so simply ride the rides as you reach them.

Since you don't have express, I really don't suggest skipping rides you want to do simply because the wait is long. For example, if you skip MIB because the wait is to long, it will take awhile to get all the way back to the ride later in the day which will waste some time. If the line is really long, give the single rider line a chance. Take two kids and one adult through the single rider line, having the adult ride first. Then wait at the exit of the ride for the two kids to get back. Doing the single rider line can really cut back on the wait time.

As far as express, it is not needed. While it is nice to have, it is not needed and you should have no problems seeing everything you want. Just don't head back to the hotel for a nap in the afternoon! You will need all the time you can get, and the walk back to the car, the drive to the hotel, the nap, the drive and walk back to the park can EASILY waste 3 hours. Just stay at the parks all day, and you will have a lot of fun! Relax and just go with the flow. No need to stress about Universal...leave that for Disney trips.

 

[macraven]

Badge, the first OP said they are going May 30/31.

Despicable Me is not due open until summer.

I don't think that new venue will be ready by end of May.


i have to disagree about Sinbad show.
it's an acrobatic adventure type of show that is fast moving.
my boys loved that show!

with the OP having two younger ones, 6 & 8, the op should check the height requirements for some of the rides you mentioned.
if they know in advance, they can plan the baby/child swap.

i always tell newbies to checkout the website to get an idea of the lay of the park.
also see what rides and requirements are involved in them.
www.universalorlando.com is a good tool to use.

and it is always a good thing to pick up the park guide map when you enter.
you can check the show schedule, marvel line 4 entrance, character events, etc.

to answer shellie's question, will they be able to do all the rides in that day?

possibly get all the higlights in for sure.

not certain how crowds will be yet. May 30-31 isn't really considered the 'Memorial Weekend' as it is wed and thurs this year.

when i went on memorial day it landed on a weekday.
crowds were not as bad as i expected.

but, with parry hotter land, all bets are off on the touring plans we used to go by. peeps are still coming in to see it.

hopefully, shellie's family won't have crowds to deal with and get as much done as planned for their days!

 

[Sandy321]

I've said it before - and I'll say it again!

THANK YOU!! Badge, Macraven, Akwafunk, et el

I've seen you answer the same question - and with patience, and information - I so appreciate that - I know that I'll be able to use this information for our Spring Break trip -

so thank you all!!